Official: Unai Emery appointed as Arsenal Manager

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Arsenal have made Unai Emery their new manager, with the former PSG manager signing a two-year deal at the Emirates.

After weeks of deliberation in their boardroom to choose Arsene Wenger’s eventual replacement, the Arsenal Board have finally made headway in that aspect. Arsenal have announced the appointment of Unai Emery as their new manager and the Spaniard has signed a two-year deal with the North Londoners.

Unai Emery is an experienced coach, with some distinguished spells at Valencia, Sevilla and PSG, where his contract ended only recently. Emery is famously known for his spell at Sevilla where he won three consecutive Europa League titles, while at PSG his significant honours include the Ligue 1 title he earned this season.

Emery’s track record, as well as the experience he has under his belt, ensured Arsenal went for him instead of the other reported options, and the two parties have finally made the call official. Emery will replace Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager for the last 22-years, as the Spaniard looks to turn around the Gunners’ fortunes.

Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis made the appointment happen and said, “Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talents in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly. His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.”

Arsenal were on the verge of appointing former player and current Manchester City assistant, Mikel Arteta as their new head coach. As recent as three days ago, Arteta was the leading man to become Arsenal boss, but a sudden turn of events, especially after Emery met with the Arsenal board, things changed drastically towards the Spaniard.

Other candidates like former captain Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique were all linked with the position. Despite all the rumours, there was a belief that none of them were as close as Arteta, but now Unai Emery has taken the baton of leading Arsenal into the new era.

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, although usually away from the media limelight, took a moment to express his faith upon the new manager. Kroenke said, “We’re delighted to welcome Unai to Arsenal. He’s a proven winner. We’re confident that he is the right person for the job and that he will work to deliver the triumphs our fans, staff and everyone who cares about Arsenal want.”

Will he prove to be the success Arsenal and their fans are hoping for from Arsene Wenger’s replacement?